Plant milks for babies and children

We support and encourage all families to breastfeed their babies when this is possible. 

Babies younger than six months should not be offered any plant milks/drinks as they are not formulated for babies under 12 months as their main drink (they can be used in cooking from 6 months of age).

Giving a baby any regular plant milk that can be bought in supermarkets (soya, almond, oat, pea, coconut etc) or a homemade formula (mixing  regular plant milks with fruit and or vegetable juices) as their main drink is very dangerous and can lead to severe malnutrition and even death.

If breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend discussing the best options with a plant-based dietitian or paediatrician (see our directory of health professionals). The only alternative for feeding a baby is to use formula milks specifically designed and produced to meet infants’ requirements (suitable plant-based formula milk options by age are listed below).

 

So what formula milks are available for vegan families?

Soya formula milk: This is based on isolated soya protein, maltodextrin as the source of carbohydrates and a mixture of vegetable oils and fats, as well as being supplemented with some specific amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the specific 

Soya formula milks have been used for over a century, are safe and have shown to promote growth and development comparable to that of breastfed babies or babies who are fed cow’s milk formula.

The NHS recommends that soya infant formula should only be used from 6 months of age and under medical supervision because of the exposure to high concentrations of phytoestrogens (plant oestrogen-like compounds). 

The Paediatric Specialist Group Position Statement Use of Infant Formula based on Soya Protein for Infants, 2022 states that: 

“Caregivers adopting vegan diets in infants for religious, ethical or other reasons: these caregivers should be strongly encouraged to breastfeed, but if they are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, or require top ups, soya infant formula would be the appropriate choice. This advice would also apply to caregivers following plant-based diets. It is noteworthy that some soya infant formula may not be suitable for vegans (e.g., due to the addition of fish oil, or source of vitamin D) so do check manufacturer guidance.”

Until recently it was possible to find a soya infant formula in the UK: SMA Soya Infant Formula. However, this is no longer available.

Hydrolysed rice protein formulas: These have been developed for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk and soya formula milks. They are not the same as the rice milks you can buy in the supermarket. The manufacturers isolate the protein from rice, break it down into smaller parts (peptides and amino acids) and add a carbohydrate source such as maltodextrin and a mixture of vegetable oils and fats. As whole rice is not used, their content in arsenic is low and comparable to other formulas. In addition, by law the manufacturers must analyse the formula periodically and check that the content of arsenic and other substances are below certain limits.

These formulas have been tested in infants with food allergies and have been proven to be safe. Due to the protein hydrolysis (broken down), the taste of the formula is not the same as whole protein formulas and some babies may dislike them. 

Rice hydrolysate formulas are what we call ‘FSMP’ (food for special medical purposes) which means that they should ideally be used under medical supervision. 

There is a hydrolysed rice protein formula available in the UK that can be purchased in pharmacies: Similac Arize, manufactured by Abbott: This formula is not 100% vegan since it contains 2’-FL HMO, (2-fucsoyllactose human milk oligosaccharide). Whilst the 2’-FL in this formula is biosynthesised, the 2’-FL HMO is derived from lactose, the starting ingredient being cow’s milk. However, this ingredient is in very low quantities and is not itself of animal origin. The rest of the ingredients, including vitamin D and DHA, are plant-based.

Similac Arize uses maltodextrin as the main source of carbohydrate. Some studies suggest that maltodextrin is more likely to cause dental caries than lactose. However, current evidence on the potential of maltodextrin in infant formulas to cause caries is limited and inconclusive. Maltodextrin is considered less likely to cause caries than sucrose (table sugar). This is unlikely to be a concern in the first six months of life, when babies typically do not yet have teeth. However, once teeth begin to emerge, all babies should receive appropriate dental care, including regular brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste, as recommended by the NHS

This formula is the only current option for vegan babies in the UK.

In the UK it is recommended that all breastfed infants (or those drinking less than 500ml infant formula) are given a vitamin D supplement of 8.5-10 micrograms per day. From 6 months of age, vitamins A and D are recommended. See our supplement page.

FAQs

Are organic or palm oil-free formula milk options better?

At Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, we do not think we have enough evidence to say that organic / palm oil-free are better options. We have included these aspects because they are important considerations for some parents and they consider them if they can choose between some similar alternatives. Some vegans avoid palm oil for environmental reasons. These aspects are added simply to facilitate a choice based on each family’s personal preferences, however, this does not mean they are necessarily better or worse.

How about breast milk banks?

With regards to breast milk banks, this donated milk is exclusively for premature and sick babies admitted in neonatal units. Healthy babies have no access to this. This is unlikely to be a possibility in the short to medium term, as there is always a shortage of donated milk for hospitalised babies. Donated breast milk used in hospitals is pasteurised and frozen as soon as it is obtained from the donors, and screened for viruses and bacteria.